Finally, the big day arrived – Fat Tuesday! And, it was a party as ever. We awoke at 6 a.m. Yep, you read that right. You have to get up early to get a spot on Fat Tuesday. We got to the parade route on St. Charles and set up camp. A trip to Burger King satisfied the hunger, and we prepared for Zulu and their famed golden coconuts. Our group managed a few of the prized possessions (they’re hand-painted and the true prize of Mardi Gras throws) and had fun watching the parade roll by. Zulu is a predominantly African-American Krewe who likes to mock Rex (the King of Mardi Gras and the historical Carnival parade). In between Zulu and Rex, the street filled with people playing games, people-watching, and lots of merriment. It soon became a giant block party. Finally, we saw the beginning of Rex before having to pack up for the airport. Rex is, as you can see, known as the King of Carnival and the Monarch of Merriment. Very important. He’s usually a prominent businessman, and his identity is secret until the Times-Picayune on Tuesday morning (though the TV stations now reveal his identity a little earlier).
Exhausted but exhilarated, we loaded up, grabbed lunch and headed for the airport. It was an emotional trip for many reasons, but we’re both so glad we went, and so glad that we looked around. It was at times heartbreaking, but I have great hope and confidence that the city will rebuild and will probably be even better than it was before…though without question it will (and already has) change and evolve, but the heart of New Orleans – the soul in the music and food and people will remain the same. Truly a unique city with a rich heritage and a storied history.
It will be interesting to watch it grow over the next few years, and we’re thankful we have friends there to house us and keep us informed!
